India’s Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party has vowed to continue its ongoing demonstrations in the nation’s capital, seeking the resignation of top election official Gyanesh Kumar amid heavy security deployments.
The movement was initially launched in May by Abhijeet Dipke after India’s Chief Justice likened some jobless young people to cockroaches. Dipke, along with fellow leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, was arrested on arrival in Delhi on Saturday before being released on Sunday.
Media reports indicate that 7,000 protesters were detained and released on Saturday, with hundreds more detained on Sunday. The unregistered group is pressing for electoral reforms ahead of crucial state elections.
Demands And Ongoing Protests
The unrecognised political grouping is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of manipulating voters’ lists. The Election Commission has denied these allegations.
Despite thousands of security personnel deployed and roads barricaded across Delhi for a second day, leaders of the movement insist they will press forward. Dipke stated after his release that the grouping will neither back down nor be intimidated.
Dipke also posted on X following his release, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an embarrassment to India. He added that he was travelling to his village to attend the funeral of his grandmother, who passed away around the time of his arrest.
Magistrate Court Conditions
On Sunday morning, a magistrate’s court set Dipke, Das and Ranka free under the condition that they do not engage in a breach of peace for one year, according to police statements.
Speaking at a news conference later, Ranka and Das maintained that this legal condition does not restrict them from exercising their right to protest. Ranka stated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site.
Ranka further alleged during the briefing that a breach of peace is committed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cockroach Janta Party?
The Cockroach Janta Party is an unregistered Gen Z-led movement in India that began in May following remarks by India’s Chief Justice comparing jobless young people to cockroaches. The grouping is currently demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Why were the leaders arrested in Delhi?
Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were arrested by police on Saturday as their plane landed in Delhi amid widespread demonstrations. They were subsequently released on Sunday by a magistrate’s court on the condition that they do not engage in a breach of peace for one year.
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